Poor air quality has a direct effect on our health, and even the weather we experience. Pollutants created by heavy industry, houses and motor vehicles can upset the natural balance.

Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and particulate matter can specifically affect people with breathing difficulties. This is because high levels of these pollutants can cause the tubes in the lungs to become irritated and narrowed.

Pollutants can also cause smog, similar to the famous weather experienced in London in the 1950s, and acid rain.

Monitoring unit in Doncaster

Doncaster is the first local authority in South Yorkshire to declare Air Quality Management Areas. The quality of air is measured in the borough every minute of the day, every day of the year. The town centre air quality is monitored by two air quality laboratories, one next to the Frenchgate Centre and the other at Market Place. There is also a mobile air quality monitoring laboratory called "Groundhog" which is used throughout the borough to monitor pollutants, using real time pollution analysers.

The pollution levels are published three times every weekday at 9am, 12pm, and 3pm. This information can be seen on static information boards in the reception areas of the Council House, the Mansion House and Doncaster Royal Infirmary. There are electronic information signs at the Mansion House and at Mexborough Montague Hospital. There is also a 24 hour phone line run by the Council on 01302 737536.

It is actually an offence to even deliver coal to a domestic property in a smoke control area...

- Malcolm Beal

The whole of Doncaster Borough is smoke controlled which means that it is an offence to burn coal in a smoke control area (unless on a special burner). Malcolm Beal from the Council points out that it is actually an offence to even deliver coal to a domestic property in a smoke control area. It is also an offence to emit dark smoke from a commercial premises. The maximum fine for households is £1000, and the maximum fine for industry is £20,000!

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Check today's pollution levels are available on the Doncaster Borough Council website.
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